Pages

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

To Tweet, Or Not To Tweet

I have a lot of friends who don't use Twitter, let alone understand what it is or how to use it. I even have a few Facebook holdouts that have yet to buddy up. And that's okay . . . it's simly not for them -- and maybe it's not for you. For those not in the know, Twitter has been used for all kinds of cool stuff, including online discussions, networking, self promotion (hello, Charlie Sheen), and even organizing protests (human rights blogger and online activist Wael Abbas used it to communicate about conditions in Egypt during the recent protests). It can also be used for charity. Wondering how? Read on.

Next week marks the D.C. Twestival . . . a Twitter festival (get it?!?). My friend Ms. Rasberry is on the planning committee, and asked if I'd do a little publicity for it. Here's how it works, in her words:

It’s an event that is designed to utilize social media in order to raise awareness and funds for charitable organizations. This year’s DC Twestival benefits FAIR Fund, an organization committed to ending human trafficking, particularly of youth. As the mother of two daughters, this issue speaks to my heart. People tend to think of human trafficking as an “elsewhere” problem, but it’s very much a problem in the United States as well. All too often we hear of young girls going missing and many of them have been taken by pimps and abusers and forced into prostitution and servitude. The majority of human trafficking is for the purpose of sex. We must do something to stop this! After a lengthy process, FAIR Fund was selected as the DC Twestival beneficiary. I’m glad to be a part of it because it is most definitely a much needed organization.

This year’s event takes place on March 24 at DC venue, Shadowroom. If you’re in the DC area, come out and help support a worthy cause. It’ll be fun and, as if you needed anymore prompting, I’ll be there! Tickets on sale here.

It's a FUNdraiser -- for a really good cause. So even if you aren't Twitterly-inclined, you can still participate, because who doesn't love socializing and supporting charity? It's the perfect combo. Will I see you there?